Before I started this book, I had watched the first 4 or 5 episodes of the first TV series based on this book, so I thought I knew what was coming. Oh, how wrong I was. I’ve never read a book where so many of the main characters don’t make it to the end (that is, if you can make out who the main characters should be).

There are many, many characters in this book, and my dad had warned me that I may have trouble keeping up with who was who, but I actually enjoyed that we got to see the unfolding story from more than one angle. It does make it a little harder to know who to root for, although we’re pretty safe in the knowledge that the Lannister’s wouldn’t be the right group to back.

I’ve never read a book on this scale before, and especially not one that has another 6 books after it. I did find the length of the book quite daunting at first, and the fact that I had to carry around a book as heavy as a brick in my handbag kind of made me wish I had a kindle (but not quite). It took me a few chapters to get truly involved in the book, but once I’d got past the initial introductions, I was hooked. I actually finished this book a few days ago and have already started on book two, I just can’t put it down.

I was a bit sad when the main character (in my opinion) died, and then the family was broken up and scattered, but I quite like the fact that I just can’t guess what is going to happen next like I can with most of the books I read.